On this day back on January 14, 1988, an ordinary fire call quickly turned into 8 firefighters being nearly killed when the townhouse fire they went into suddenly turned into a fully engulfed fire. The crews had light smoke showing from the second-floor window upon their arrival. In a matter of minutes, it turned into a battle for their survival. Their only means of escape were through the second-floor windows. Some had an escape ladder to use and some had to jump from the second floor. Five firefighters were transported to the hospital with 1st and 2nd-degree burns. All returned to work and continued their careers have now retired from the VBFD with the exception of volunteer firefighter Dean DaSilva. DaSilva was hired by the VBFD and is serving as Captain of Engine 4-C Shift.

Credit: The Virginian-Pilot and the Ledger-Star.
Photo from the Martin Grube Collection.

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